Want to install Coolify on an Ubuntu VPS? Coolify is a free, open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that lets you deploy websites, Docker applications, databases, and services from a web dashboard.
This guide explains how to self-host Coolify on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, configure access, enable a custom domain with HTTPS, and deploy your first application.
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Before You Start
For a standard Coolify installation, you will need:
- A fresh Ubuntu 24.04 LTS VPS with root or sudo access.
- At least 2 CPU cores, 2 GB RAM, and 10 GB free disk space.
- A public IP address and SSH access.
- Ports 80 and 443 available for web applications and HTTPS.
- Port 8000 accessible temporarily for the initial Coolify dashboard setup.
- Additional memory and disk space for applications, builds, and databases.
Ubuntu 26.04? Check the official Coolify installation documentation for current installer compatibility before proceeding. A supported Ubuntu LTS release is recommended.
VPS sizing tip: For several applications or container builds, consider 4 GB RAM or more. Compare Owned Networks VPS plans before deploying production workloads.
Step 1: Update Your Ubuntu VPS
Connect to your VPS through SSH and update the operating system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y sudo apt install -y curl ca-certificates cat /etc/os-release free -h df -h / |
If Ubuntu requires a reboot after updating, restart the server before continuing.
Step 2: Install Coolify on Ubuntu
Coolify provides an official installation script that prepares the required components, including Docker when needed.
Download the installer, inspect it, and execute it with administrator privileges:
curl -fsSL https://cdn.coollabs.io/coolify/install.sh -o coolify-install.sh less coolify-install.sh sudo bash coolify-install.sh |
Review the installation script before executing it. The installer requires elevated privileges and modifies the Docker and Coolify environment.
If Docker is already installed through Snap, review the official documentation before running the installer. Avoid mixing Docker installation methods.
For a separate Docker installation tutorial, see our How to Install Docker and Docker Compose on Ubuntu guide.
Step 3: Access the Coolify Dashboard
When installation completes, open the dashboard using your VPS public IP address:
http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8000 |
Create the initial administrator account immediately. Until the initial account is created, someone else who can reach the registration page may be able to claim the installation.
If you use a firewall, allow the required access while preserving your existing SSH connection. For additional security, restrict dashboard access to your administrator IP where practical.
For direct dashboard access, Coolify may also use TCP ports 6001 and 6002 for real-time updates and its web terminal. Consult the Coolify firewall documentation when configuring those features.
Step 4: Configure a Domain and Free HTTPS
For production use, a custom domain such as coolify.example.com is recommended.
- Create a DNS A record for
coolify.example.compointing to your VPS public IPv4 address. - Ensure ports 80 and 443 are accessible.
- In Coolify, open Settings > General.
- Set the instance URL to
https://coolify.example.com. - Save the settings and verify the Coolify proxy and HTTPS configuration.
With the integrated proxy configured correctly, Coolify can manage Let's Encrypt certificates automatically. Do not close your existing dashboard session until you have confirmed that the new HTTPS URL works.
Once HTTPS access is working, restrict unnecessary public access to the direct dashboard ports according to your administration requirements.
Step 5: Deploy Your First Application
To verify that Coolify can deploy applications, create a simple Nginx container:
- Log in to Coolify and create a new project.
- Add a new application using the Docker Image deployment option.
- Set the image to
nginx:alpine. - Configure the internal application port as
80. - Assign a test domain or a generated temporary domain.
- Start the proxy if it is not running, then deploy the application.
Open the generated application URL. If you see the Nginx welcome page, your first deployment is working.
For production applications, configure a real domain using HTTPS and maintain backups of application data and databases.
Step 6: Verify the Coolify Installation
Check Docker and running Coolify containers:
sudo docker --version sudo docker ps sudo ss -tulpn | grep -E ':(80|443|8000|6001|6002)\b' || true |
Confirm that the dashboard is accessible, your test application loads, and HTTPS is functioning.
Important: Back Up Your Coolify Installation
After installation, back up the Coolify configuration and installation secrets, particularly:
/data/coolify/source/.env |
This file contains important encryption secrets. Store it securely outside the server. Also configure backups for Coolify's database and any application data volumes.
Never publish the contents of the Coolify environment file or include it in publicly accessible backups.
Coolify Installation Troubleshooting
Coolify Dashboard Not Accessible on Port 8000
Verify that the installation finished, Docker containers are running, port 8000 is available, and the firewall permits your administrator's connection:
sudo docker ps -a sudo ss -tulpn | grep ':8000' sudo ufw status |
Coolify Installation Script Failed
Review the script output, available RAM and disk space, OS compatibility, and conflicting Docker installations. Refer to the Coolify installation troubleshooting guide before rerunning the installer.
SSL Certificate Not Working
Confirm the domain DNS record points to your VPS, ports 80 and 443 are reachable, and Coolify's integrated proxy is running. Certificates may fail if another web server occupies those ports.
Application Shows 502 Bad Gateway
Check that the container is running and that Coolify's configured application port matches the port on which the application actually listens.
Related Solution: Host Coolify on an Owned Networks VPS
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Coolify on an Ubuntu VPS?
Yes. Coolify can run on a compatible Ubuntu Linux VPS with root access, Docker, and sufficient CPU, RAM, and storage.
How much RAM does Coolify need?
Coolify's documented minimum is 2 CPU cores, 2 GB RAM, and 10 GB free disk space. More resources are recommended for running multiple applications, databases, or builds.
Is Coolify free to self-host?
Yes. Coolify has a free, open-source self-hosted edition. VPS infrastructure, backups, domains, and any external services may have separate costs.
Does Coolify install Docker automatically?
The official Coolify installer can install and configure Docker when required. An existing Docker installation may need compatibility checks.
Can Coolify host WordPress, Node.js, and Docker applications?
Yes. Coolify supports various applications and services, including Docker images, Docker Compose workloads, and Git-based application deployments.
Does Coolify support free SSL certificates?
Yes. With a correctly configured domain and integrated reverse proxy, Coolify can automatically provision and renew HTTPS certificates.
Can I use Ubuntu 26.04 for Coolify?
Coolify runs on Linux, but installer compatibility can vary across Ubuntu releases. Consult the official Coolify supported-platform guidance and test the installation before using Ubuntu 26.04 in production.
Is a VPS better than shared hosting for Coolify?
Coolify requires control over the server and Docker environment, so a Linux VPS with root access is typically more suitable than conventional shared hosting.
Conclusion
Installing Coolify on an Ubuntu VPS gives you a self-hosted platform to manage application deployments, Docker containers, domains, and HTTPS from one dashboard.
Need VPS infrastructure for Coolify? Explore Owned Networks Linux VPS Hosting or compare KVM VPS plans.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Official reference: Coolify Self-Hosted Installation Documentation.
